Eiffel Tower Profile and Visitors' Guide

How to Avoid Crowds, Enjoy the Views, & Other Practical Tips

The Eiffel Tower is by far Paris' most-recognized icon. Built for the World Exposition of 1889, the tower is a relative newcomer to a city whose history stretches back to over a millennia.

Wildly unpopular when it was unveiled and nearly torn down, the tower was finally embraced as the symbol of a modern and elegant Paris. It remains one of Paris' must-see attractions and has drawn over 200 million visitors.

Detractors will call it cliche, but few can peel their eyes away when the tower bursts into a shower of scintillating light every hour each evening. What would la ville lumière be without it?

Admission:

Admission fees vary depending on how many levels you wish to visit and whether you plan to take the elevator or the stairs. Taking the stairs is always less expensive, but it can be excruciating-- and access to the top of the tower is not available via stairs.

Access for Visitors with Limited Mobility:

Visitors with limited mobility or in wheelchairs may access levels one and two of the tower via the elevator. For security reasons, access to the top of the tower is not available for visitors in wheelchairs.

When Are the Best Times to Visit?

The Eiffel Tower is Paris' single most-visited attraction, drawing millions of people every year. It's easy to understand why it's preferable to visit when crowds are likely to be a bit thinner than usual. Here's what I especially recommend:

Low season in Paris is October to March. If you can visit during these times, you'll be more likely to avoid long lines and overcrowded observation areas. However, visiting the tower during the cold and wet months of November-February is less likely to be a pleasant experience, especially when overcast skies obstruct magnificent views of the city.

Visiting during weekdays rather than weekends and in the early morning or late evening is also a good idea.

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Best Ways to Climb the Tower?

By stairs: You can access the first and second levels of the tower (187 and 377 ft., respectively) by climbing 1,652 stairs. There is a small admission fee. Visitors with vertigo should abstain.

By elevator: Three elevators are available to shuttle you to the first and second levels of the tower. For security reasons, only one or two will be operating on a given day. An additional elevator must be taken from the second level to get to the top of the tower (another 905 ft.). Keep in mind that during peak tourist season (April-September), you may need to wait for a while.

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See the Tower In Pictures: (For a Bit of Inspiration)

For a great retrospective of the famed tower in its many guises starting from 1889 to the present day, check out our colorful gallery: The Eiffel Tower in Pictures.

Restaurants and Gift Shops:

The Eiffel Tower has two restaurants: one on the first level and one on the second. The second-level restaurant, Le Jules Vernes, is remarkable for its breathtaking views of the city and for its kitchen, which is lead by celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse. In addition, snack bars can be found on the ground floor, first, and second levels. There's also a champagne bar and a buffet.

Souvenirs and gifts are available on the ground floor, first and second levels. The second level also includes a specialty food shop where you can purchase traditional French food items.

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Interesting Historical Facts and Current-Day Highlights

Take a look at our Eiffel Tower facts and highlights guide to learn more about the tower's history and make sure to get the most out of your visit to the landmark. You'll be more likely to take away something personal if you beef up a bit on the monument's history and legacy.